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The Ultimate Comfort Food: High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken & Mac & Cheese
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Craving comfort food with a protein boost? This dish pairs juicy honey garlic butter chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a hearty meal that satisfies cravings and fuels your body. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal prep option that tastes just as good the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade:

  • 3 chicken breasts, cubed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried parsley

  • 2 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For Cooking the Chicken:

  • 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Mac & Cheese:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella

  • ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 2 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.

  • Toss well, cover, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

  • Stir in butter and honey, coating chicken evenly. Finish with chopped parsley.

3. Make the Mac & Cheese:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

  • Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

  • Whisk in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and smooth.

  • Add cooked macaroni, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until creamy and well-coated.

4. Serve:

  • Plate the mac & cheese and top with honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Balance the richness: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter mac & cheese.

  • Extra protein boost: Stir in a scoop of unflavored whey protein to the cheese sauce for an added punch.

  • Meal prep friendly: Store chicken and mac separately in airtight containers; reheat gently with a splash of milk in the pasta to keep it creamy.

  • Add veggies: Broccoli, spinach, or roasted peppers make great add-ins.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/the-ultimate-comfort-food-high-protein-honey-garlic-butter-chicken-with-mac-cheese/

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